The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a vibrant city with a booming economy, diverse heritage, colonial architecture, fascinating cityscape, and a plethora of most-visited tourist attractions. Being colonized by the Spanish, Americans, and Japanese, the Philippines has adopted multiple cultures. You can visit the Intramuros, and immerse in the beauty of Spanish architecture and influence. Go to Makati and you will see the western influenced side of the City with so many marvelous skyscrapers, exquisite restaurants, business center, upscale facilities, and many more. Indeed, Manila is an interesting place to visit. If you like the idea, here is a list of the top day tours in Manila, the Philippines, to help you organize your itinerary. Feel free to browse below.
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1. See the beauty of old Manila
If you wanna learn about the culture of Manila, the best way to do so is by booking a slot in this exciting Old Manila full-day tour. This tour package will make you feel like your taking a trip down memory lane. Years and years of history will be elaborated to the guests by the professional tour guide. This package includes a visit to the remarkable Rizal Park, a delightful meal of exquisite Filipino food at The Aristocrat Restaurant and Dampa, and a tour to the National Museum, Escolta, Roxas Boulevard, and Cinematheque Centre Manila.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The National Museum boasts thousands of artworks spread across different collections. For those who want to learn more about the country's rich past and culture, you can head to the Archaeology Division, which features National Cultural Treasures. For renowned paintings from esteemed artists to significant sculptures that tell a story, visit the Arts Division. Here, you can see Juan Luna's well-known Spoliarium, as well as other works from Manuel Rodriguez, Sr. and more.
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2. Gourmandize on sumptuous Filipino food
If you are in the beautiful city of Manila, The Philippines for amazing food, this fantastic tour package might be the best one for you. Whether you are a seafood kind of person, meat, pork, or vegan, this package got you covered. It features four local and exquisite restaurant throughout the tour. Let your tastebuds be tickled by a plethora of delectable dishes from Spanish cuisines to Chinese to Western and other colonial influences. The tour will end with your heart crying happy tears and your stomach full of happiness.
3. Take fabulous snaps in the picture-perfect Dessert Museum
On this era of Tumblr, Instagram, and other digital portfolios, people of this generation are simply drawn to shiny and pretty things. Same goes with tourist attractions. The more Instagram-worthy it is, the more people want to visit. If you agree with this concept, you should buy this package and head over the colorful and vibrant Dessert Museum in Manila. This place is a heaven for your sense of sight as well as the sense of taste. Guests will be guided to diverse themed-rooms that are equally aesthetically pleasing. Throughout the tour, guests are also treated with different mouthwatering desserts such as cotton candies, popsicles, cakes, and many more. Don’t forget to have your camera ready because every corner in this museum is Instagram-worthy.
Book Tours : The Dessert Museum in Manila
4. Learn about the Philippines film industry
Are you into the film industry? If so, this tour package is ideal for you. Since the dawn of time, Manila has been thriving in the cinematography scene. There is a wide range of independent and quality films that are either directed by a Filipino, starring Filipino actors, or produced by Filipinos, that are waiting to be watched and appreciated by many. Through this tour, guests will be treated to a full local independent film. Also, there will be guides to give you talks and tips about cinematography and its impact on the country’s pop culture. Surely, if you are a film enthusiast, you will learn so much from this package.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
A great way to revisit or witness the beauty and richness of Filipino cinema is by watching it on the big screen. This way, you can show your appreciation for them and actually get to see how far the industry has progressed. Major movie theaters don't really re-air films, but there are more indie ones that do, such as Cinema '76. I used to go here with my friends whenever a movie we were interested in was airing. I remember watching Liway and Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap in a very intimate setting, which is an incredible feeling. Plus, you can get a sweet discount if you are a student — just present your ID to the counter. Happy watching!
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Book Tours : Cinephile Crawl in Manila, Philippines - Klook India
Manila Tour Guide
Alvin Paulino Bolo
Hello. I am Alvin Bolo, a tour guide with a license from the Philippines' Department of Tourism. I organise tours for various sets of places in the country, namely one for Manila, another one for Northern (and Central) Luzon (the largest of the islands) and another one for Palawan and the nearby Calamian Islands. You can also have other details (lodging, transportation, dining, etc.) associated... Read more
Tours by Alvin paulino
5. Immerse in a peaceful rural lifestyle in Villa Escudero
If you are looking for some peace and quiet, why don’t you visit the popular Villa Escudero plantation through this full-day tour package? Experience a rural lifestyle in this breathtaking coconut plantation and resort with fascinating amenities, away from the city noise and pollution. It includes a pick-up and drop-off for clients in the Makati City and Bay area hotels. The tour starts as early as 8:30 am. In addition, guests will be guided throughout the vast Villa Escudero area. They will also get to see the plantation’s museum and have their lunch in the relaxing foot of the river dam.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
We visited Villa Escudero to celebrate my dad's birthday, and it was a nice experience to be immersed in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Philippines. We enjoyed the sumptuous lunch by the man-made waterfalls. Riding the carabao cart with musicians serenading us was also a highlight of the trip.
Don't forget to put on sunscreen because you'll bask in the sun in this expansive estate.
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Book Tours : Full Day Tour Villa Escudero Plantation
6. Book this exciting Manila and Tagaytay roundtrip tour
If you have a generous amount of time in your hands, why don’t you book this full-day Manila City and Tagaytay Tour? This tour starts with a drive up the lovely city of Tagaytay. There you can marvel at the beauty of the famous Taal lake and volcano, and enjoy the cool Tagaytay breeze. The tour also includes a brief stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants. You will also be allowed to buy some souvenirs of your choice. On the way back to Manila, guests will be toured to the American War and Memorial Center, then, the walled city of Intramuros, and lastly, the Fort Santiago. This package includes admission fees, lunch, tour guide, hotel pick up and drop off, and the transport fees.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Tagaytay is where you can go if you like to feel cool — literally and figuratively! Go a bit further up and you can view the majestic Taal Volcano, surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery. There are also plenty of restaurants on the highway featuring gorgeous views of this natural landmark, such as Jaytee's Filipino Cuisine which serves delicious bulalo, a traditional beef soup dish. The restaurant even offers sweet treats and other delicacies you can take home to give to your loved ones!
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7. Learn Manila's culture and heritage
If you wanna know about the culture and heritage of a country, check out their museums. They hold most of the fascinating stories and significant artifacts. If you want to know which museums to visit, just book this full day Manila City and museum tour. Through this tour, you will surely be immersed with the vibrant history and rich culture of the Philippines. This tour includes a trip to the lovely Spanish-influenced home called Casa Manila, the sacred San Agustin Church & Museum, lunch in one of the local restaurants, the Nielsen Tower, and the Ayala Museum. This package includes the hotel pick up and drop off for guests in the Makati City and Bay area hotels.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The Ayala Museum is a museum that truly captured my attention throughout the tour. One of the things that utterly fascinated me was the ethnographic materials shown in one section of the property. Here, you can explore different traditional clothes worn by Filipinos during their time, from belts to kurobatas. There are also hundreds of paintings to appreciate, such as the works by Juan Luna and Fernando Zobel. It's certainly a haven for history and art enthusiasts.
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Book Tours : Manila: Full-Day City and Museum Tour
8. Be one with nature in the enchanting Hidden Valley
If you have a deep connection with Mother Nature, you will definitely enjoy this exciting tour package that is mostly about being one with lush greeneries and swimming in fresh waters from a naturally heated volcanic pool. Hidden Valley is an enchanting paradise where you get to be relaxed and have the peace and quiet that you seek. It is filled with a wide array of beautiful and rare flora and natural vegetation. This package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for clients in the Makati City and Bay areas, tour guide, transportation cost, admission fees, and the sumptuous lunch.
Book Tours : From Manila: Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley
9. Know Manila through the eyes of a devoted local
This tour package focuses on social human interaction as much as the fascinating landmarks included in it. Through this trip, you will know tips, tricks, and trivia about Manila through the eyes of a friendly and hospitable local. This tour package is beneficial to those tourists who are planning to stay in the city for a longer period of time. By the end of the trip, you will be more familiarized with the city and the places. It includes a local guide and a customized private walking tour. Important note, the traveler is in charge of the cost of admission of the attractions they want to visit.
Book Tours : Manila: Like a Local Customized Guided Tour
10. Get to see the majestic Taal Volcano up close
If you have a deep connection and love for nature, then this fantastic full day Taal Volcano Trekking and horse-riding package might pique your interest. It includes a professional tour guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off from Manila and Makati area, admission fee to the Taal Volcano, and a horseback ride. Marvel at the beauty of Taal Volcano and its surroundings by sailing through the waters towards the volcano island. You will also get to explore the area via horse ride accompanied by the tour guide. Take as many pictures as you can because this is an adventure of a lifetime.
Beautiful Manila
Surely, Asian cities are rich in fascinating culture and history. Every tourist attraction you visit tells a story different from the other. It is unique and ready to be explored by tourists who have an interest in culture and heritage. If you are planning a visit to the beautiful city of Manila any time soon, may you use this article of the top day tours in the city as your travel guide? May you have an exciting vacation ahead.
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